[Meredith].
With Dennis ahead and Draven walking beside me, we stepped outside the house after lunch.
And Draven didn't leave immediately. Instead, he stood by the door while Dennis reached for the keys, his presence filling the space in that quiet, commanding way he had.
Then, without raising his voice, he said, "My mate is in your care."
I paused for a moment. Dennis paused too, slowly turning to look at him with a look that was half disbelief, half mock offence.
"That," Dennis said, clicking his tongue, "is a very big task you're handing me."
Draven's gaze didn't waver. "One you shouldn't fail."
Dennis lifted both hands in surrender. "Alright, alright. No pressure at all."
I hid my smile. Moments later, we were on the road.
---
The local market of the Mystic Furs Pack was already alive when we arrived. Stone stalls lined the open square, banners bearing pack symbols fluttering lightly in the breeze.
The air smelled of leather, dried meat, metal—and faintly, herbs.
